Founded online gaming outfit Giant Interactive in 2005. Took it public in the U.S. in November 2007; it has since lost two-thirds of its market value. Got a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the academic cradle of China's software industry, Zhejiang University, and created a huge following for his Zhuhai Giant Hi-Tech Group in 1991, based on the popularity of a single videogame. Zhuhai Giant collapsed under the weight of massive debt incurred for a 70-story skyscraper that was never built. His recent return to games through an online services provider he founded, ZTgame, has given new life to his entrepreneurial reputation. Shi also has stakes in Minsheng Banking, of which he's a director, and Huaxia Bank. Diversifying into Chinese rice wine market.